"Even though there has been indications as regards the economy or foreign direct investment that perhaps the West is willing to talk and re-engage Zimbabwe on issues relating to the economy and investment, but the conditionality is that elections should be free and fair"

There are plenty of accusations of electoral malpractice.

But some see hope in a rare display of unity between the two men earlier this year.

Together, they pushed a new constitution through a referendum.

It trims the powers of the president and imposes a two-term limit.

But it won't be retrospective, meaning 89-year-old Mugabe could, in theory, rule until he's 99 years old.